Political overthrow, intrigue, murder, subterfuge, injustice, forgiveness, confused identities, sacrificial love and substitutionary death.
These are just a few of the themes and driving forces in Dicken's masterful novel, A Tale of Two Cities, which I have just read for the first time! As is commonly the case with illustrious works of literature, I came away startled at the genius of his multi-faceted plot. I now know why it has earned its spot on every list of the all-time Great Books.
Not only is Dickens remarkably adept at describing features of face, physique, and habiliment in a way that creates a clear mental picture, but he also brilliantly illuminates the attitudes and motivations of each character. He brings each one fully in front of our eyes in a way that forces us to judge them as he does, while simultaneously concealing just enough that the twists and turns still cause our jaws to drop in astonishment.
The story reveals how one man's unjust suffering finally bears fruit, and how another man's profound love leads to the ultimate selfless act.
"I am the Resurrection and the Life; he who believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
2 comments:
"Habiliment"?!?
I had to look that one up. Nice. :-)
I actually learned that word just a few weeks ago while reading a book about logic and language. I was happy to find a context in which to use it!
Always makes me happy when people take the time to investigate!
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